15 hostels so glam that you'll forget you're backpacking
Backpacking is no easy feat! While being on the road is thrilling, facing all the small challenges that spring up in the absence of routine can be exhausting. Luckily, hostel owners around the world are stepping up to create glamorous experiences for shoestring travelers.
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In fact, the “poshtel” is on the rise! Backpackers no longer need to splurge on hotels to enjoy luxury amenities, curated experiences, or designer decor. Here are some outstanding hostels around the world that will make you feel like you’re the most ballin’ backpacker around.
The Saas-Fee Wellness Hostel, Switzerland
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Nestled in the mountains in the Swiss village of Saas-Fe, you will this Swiss wellness hostel. Guests can use an array of eco-friendly spa facilities including saunas, whirlpools, water slides, massage showers, and relaxation lounges—all perfect after a day of skiing. Refuel with healthy smoothies, tapas, or aperitifs at the in-house bistro and lounge, where only a glass window separates you from the majestic Alps.
Average nightly rate: $72 dorm / $94 private double
Ecomama, Amsterdam
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For this eco-hostel, it’s all in the details—from their use of fair trade materials, natural stone heating, cradle-to-cradle furniture, water saving system, and waste recycling program. Placing a focus on social spaces, the hostel offers guests use of a large living room, communal kitchen table, swinging indoor lounge chairs, and teepee tent. They nail the private spaces too, offering a room for everyone from budget travellers to couples on romantic getaways. In case you need another reason to book, Ecomama also donates 1 euro from each guest per night to an NGO called Niños de Guatemala.
Also worth checking out is sister hostel Cocomama. Thanks to design features like heavy drapes, printed wallpaper, and luxe bedding, it feels more like a bohemian boutique hotel than a hostel.
Average nightly rate: $52
Steel House, Denmark
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For those who feel at home in industrial chic urban spaces, head to Steel House in Copenhagen. You’ll enjoy its sleek pod-like bunks, pool, cafe, bar, and gym. These modern amenities are all balanced with a Danish dose of “hygge” and if you don’t know what that is, you’ll find out as you curl up with a book beside their roaring fireplace.
Average nightly rate: $41
The Farm Hostel, Bali
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Lush greenery, an open terrace, and a turquoise pool make this chic and hip Bali hostel a favourite amongst travellers. The Farm Hostel’s lounge deck and bean bag chairs make the perfect place to unwind and soak up the Canggu countryside. Bathe in a traditional outdoor shower flanked by a canopy of jungle plants and find small details that make all the difference—like curtains, international power outlets, and reading lights stationed at each bed. Extras like yoga mats, scooter rentals, surfboards, and racks are also available on premises.
Average nightly rate: $39 dorm
Yim Yam, Thailand
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With a name that means “warm smile,” you might expect a cozy little joint…but Bangkok’s Yim Yam is a luxurious and stylish abode with airy lounges, lush plants, and hanging lanterns. The modern design accentuates the heritage building’s details, including retro stone floors. Though it looks like a chic hotel, it contains a coworking space and offers hostel comforts like weekly yoga classes, movie nights, and BBQs.
Average nightly rate: $18 dorm / $67 double
LetsBunk Poshtel, New Delhi
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Not only did they coin the word “poshtel,” but they live up to it too. Modern interiors and amenities offer a nice contrast to the 13th-century facades and old forest that can be viewed from the sunny deck. LetsBunk also has you covered with Indian hospitality and coworking space that doubles as a gourmet cafe.
Average nightly rate: $36
Rodamón Riad, Marrakech
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This hostel is both chic and utterly ‘grammable. It feels like a desert oasis despite being located just a 10-minute walk from Jamaâ El Fna Square in the heart of the souks. The magnificently tiled central courtyard boasts a swimming pool and restaurant-bar, while the rooftop terrace looks out onto the Atlas Mountains and Koutoubia Mosque. The rooms at Rodamón Riad are just as chic and trendy. Plus, reviews show top ratings for location, cleanliness, and staff and confirm amenities like WiFi, lockers, linens, laptops for hire, and traditional continental breakfast that is served in the courtyard daily.
Average nightly rate: $47 mixed dorm / $149 6-bed private
Slo Living Hostel, Lyon
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Lyon’s first luxury hostel is a small and intimate one nestled in the heart of the city. Borrowing from Scandinavian design, Slo Living provides comfortable dorms, private rooms, and a large open patio for summer evenings. The staff also organize dinners made from local products to create a communal atmosphere and promote slow travel values.
Average nightly rate: $67
Option BE, Spain
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If you’re in Cordoba, retreat to Option BE. Its immaculate white interior, central sunning atrium, and rooftop pool have all been designed to make backpackers feel like boutique hotel guests. While the place may look highbrow, it’s staffed with a team of friendly locals who are eager to share recommendations, plan activities, and make you feel at home.
Average nightly rate: $37 mixed dorm / $44 female or 4-bed dorm / $144 twin private
The Independente, Portugal
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If you like your digs light and airy, consider this former Portuguese residence. The Independente offers floor-to-ceiling windows, elegant wood floors, and 100-year-old moulding decorating its high ceilings. Stay in the dorm or treat yourself to a private suite with a balcony overlooking a river. Other perks include lockers, security cards, and access to a bar that serves local eats.
Average nightly rate: $63
Generator, Venice
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This designer hostel may be located in an old warehouse, but don’t let that fool you. Its interior features mosaic tiled floors, stone fireplaces, and sparkling chandeliers hung from exposed roof beams. Generator has some glam hostels around the world but the Venice location situated on Giudecca island faces the floating city and offers splendid views. Venice isn’t exactly famous for its nightlife but drinking a nightcap while soaking up the late-night vibe at the cocktail lounge will more than make up for it.
Average nightly rate: $38 dorm / $196 4-bed private
Long Story Short, Czech Republic
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If pillowy soft beds, impeccable decor, and mountain views are your thing, then spend a night at Long Story Short. Its lofty, airy design adds a modern touch to the historic building and pairs well with tiresome travel. For those working on the go, the in-house cafe serves traditional Moravian food, wine, beer, and coffee and there is a beautiful coworking space called Vault42 down below.
Average nightly rate: $25 dorm / $99 private double
Native Hostel, Texas, USA
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According to their website, Native Hostel is an experiential abode that caters to wanderers, seekers, and “folks who simply embody good times” by curating a culture of “f*ck yes.” It is located where Austin’s entertainment district intersects with its artsy Eastside, which may explain how it exudes so much folky Austin charm. In addition to a bar, kitchen, and coffee shop on site, the hostel offers an array of experiences to guests ranging from pub crawls to tarot readings.
Average nightly rate: $67 dorm / $208 private double
The Bivvi, Colorado, USA
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This glam hostel-hotel hybrid targets outdoorsy types with mountain-glam decor and proximity to nature. Dorm rooms open up to sweeping mountain views and offer cozy custom-made bunk beds, each with a curtain and reading light for quiet time. That said, we bet you won’t spend much time in there when you could be making use of The Bivvi‘s hot tub and fire pit.
Average nightly rate: $52 dorm
Freehand, Los Angeles, USA
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While its rooftop pool might make scream typical LA party scene, it’s been known to be a flea market venue. Freehand occupies a historic building in downtown Los Angeles and boasts a laidback atmosphere. In fact, it is known for finding the perfect middle ground as a respite for travellers that still pulses with LA’s vibrant atmosphere. Freehand also has locations in New York, Miami, and Chicago.
Average nightly rate: $58 dorm / $429 private double
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